1 Corinthians 12:31b (NAS)

And I show you a still more excellent way. 1Corinthians 12:31b (NAS)

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Largeness of Heart

During the reign of King Solomon, Israel reached a pinnacle in her history. It was a time characterized by peace and prosperity. In 1Kings 4 we read that the borders of Israel were expanded to the largest that they had ever been or have been since. Solomon's wealth was incredible; possessing horses and chariots by the thousands. And all of this was because of his great wisdom. Verse 29 tells us that, "God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore." It is amazing what God can do with a heart that is surrendered to him.

Have you ever known anyone with largeness of heart? The size of a persons heart it seems, is in direct relationship to their wisdom. A large heart has an increased capacity to love. It is compassionate, patient, and merciful to others. A large heart is honest, true, and does what is right. A person with a large heart listens and does not make snap judgements.

Jesus expressed largeness of heart. He always had time for those who came to him. He had compassion on them, and healed the sick, the lame, and the blind.

We generally think of wisdom as a characteristic of an old man with gray hair, but neither Solomon nor Jesus were old men. Wisdom is not gained with age; wisdom is imparted by God. He gives wisdom to those who ask. If you are a believer, you are filled with the Holy Spirit and God's wisdom is available for the asking. God was pleased to give Solomon wisdom and he will be pleased to give you wisdom, too. And along with his wisdom, he will give you a heart that is large.

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Welcome to "a more excellent way...."

Love, of course, is the more excellent way that I am referring to. In the verses that follow these words, we have what is known as the "Love" chapter, 1Corinthians 13. There we find the supremacy of love and a description of what real love looks like. It's a place we need to go back to periodically, if only to remind us of what it is we are reaching for.

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About Me

Whenever I write, it's usually to an audience of one; just me and my Lord talking about the things that matter most to me, my family and our struggles and concerns and joys and celebrations. As one would expect, what I write is very personal, but lately, I have decided to open the door to my devotional time and invite my friends and family to join me. God has taught me many things through the years and I would like to share those with the people I love most. My audience now will be you. Thank you for taking the time to visit and to listen as I share my heart. I welcome your comments.
My prayer is that you may know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19